World meat production is expanding

South America and Asia are the largest growth markets

World meat production is growing continuously, increasing by around a third within ten years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), meat production worldwide was 2003 million tons in 253,5, compared to just 191,0 million tons ten years ago.

However, there were considerable differences in development between the individual regions: In percentage terms, meat production in South America has increased most significantly since 1993, increasing by around 70 percent to 29,6 million tons in 2003. However, the most important growth market in absolute terms is Asia, where Meat production increased by almost 57 percent to 103,8 million tons in ten years. Increases of 28 percent to 49,8 million tons of meat were recorded in North and Central America and of 27 percent to 11,6 million tons and in Africa. At 5,7 million tonnes, Oceania produced 24 percent more meat than ten years ago. Meat production in Europe, on the other hand, has probably reached its level of saturation: the 2003 million tons produced in 53,0 were a good three percent less than in 1993.

Broken down by type of meat, poultry meat recorded the highest growth rates worldwide in the reporting period, moving up to second place. Its production rose by around 60 percent to 75,8 million tons. Pork, the most important type of meat on our planet, was produced at 98,5 million tons, almost 31 percent more than in 1993. Beef, veal and buffalo meat together increased by a good 14 percent to 62,1 million tons. Sheep and goat meat production grew by a good fifth to 12,2 million tons.

Source: Bonn [ZmP]